CHERRIES boss Scott Parker insists Jamal Lowe "understands" the decision to be dropped back to the bench for Tuesday night's win at Stoke.

Lowe had to be patient to wait for his first start in Cherries colours following his summer move from Swansea.

But the forward finally got his chance at Bristol City on Saturday, scoring in the 2-0 victory.

Despite finding the net, Lowe, who recently went away with Jamaica on international duty, found himself back on the bench at bet365 Stadium.

It was Parker's only change from the win at Ashton Gate, with Jefferson Lerma preferred to Lowe to shore up the midfield.

Lowe made it off the bench in the 1-0 win at Stoke, but only for the final few seconds as he replaced Ryan Christie in stoppage time.

Asked if it was a tough conversation to have with Lowe to leave him out having scored at the weekend, Parker told the Daily Echo: "This is part and parcel of having a good squad.

"Jamal went away (with Jamaica), he came in and took his chance at the weekend, scored a goal and his all-round performance was very good.

"I have to make decisions on what I feel is best against certain teams.

"On Tuesday night, with the short turnaround as well, that was a factor for Jamal.

"That decision was made that I wanted to go that way really. Jamal understands that, he understands where we currently are."